US INFLUENCE IN INDIA: A RELIABLE PARTNER, A MODEL OR A FADING SUPERPOWER ?

As democratic stalwarts in the Asia-Pacific region, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have significantly strengthened the global strategic partnership between the United States and India. While the two leaders share common populist views of the world and politics, various policy issues such as defense, bilateral trade, and immigration have influenced the Indian public opinion about the US, its leadership, and image as a ‘soft power’.

 

This paper discusses the various polls and surveys that highlight the shift in India’s perception of the US’ trade attitudes, confidence in the US presidential leadership, and feelings about the American values of democracy. 

 

The US’ response to the pandemic coupled with its anti-China policies are evidence to the changing image of the US as a global superpower. While India too is confronting China’s territorial and economic assertiveness, it has become imperative to analyze how shared concerns over China will encourage the US and India to find a common ground.